Anti-Trump rhetoric, political manipulation in Kosovo

It says: Becky Colak

President Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election in the United States of America (SHBA) has sparked a new debate in Kosovo. Pressed by the ruling party, some deliberate voices are trying to raise the alarm, boosting fears that Kosovo relations- The US could get worse after President Trump's victory.

Prime Minister Kurti's supporters have been involved in a propaganda campaign, spreading speculation that if the return of President Trump and his team poses a threat to Kurt's political future in Kosovo.
Moreover, they prejudge and describe the incoming administration as Serbian pro. As a result, according to their logic and rhetoric, only a government led by Kurti's party can protect Kosovo from a approach of the new US administration “for”. This rhetoric doesn't fit anywhere with the truth.

Furthermore, this manipulating approach can only bring harm to Kosovo, promoting the division of even the fragile relations of Kosovo's current government with the US, with the key state for our stability and security and the region.

So this rhetoric aims to manipulate the Kosovo electorate to give support to the ruling party, without worrying that this could deepen the gap between Kosovo and the US.
As Kosovo's electoral process approaches, the upcoming parliamentary elections are envisioned on February 9th, 2025, the ruling party's propaganda campaign is focusing increasingly on voter intimidation and manipulation.

Presenting President Trump's victory as a threat to Kosovo, Kurti's supporters aim to create a sense of uncertainty and maintain an emotionally linked electorate with the ruling party.
This is a manipulation that only further separates the people of Kosovo and distances them from true democracy.

Fear policy is a wrong approach, as it does not focus on fulfilling Kosovo's state interests, but on narrow party interests. The ruling party is repeating the same plot of fraud and victimisation, just like four years ago.

So, just like today, they accused President Trump's administration and in particular of his special envoy, Ambassador Richard Greenell, as if for the intervention and ousting of Kurti by power. Such an approach was manipulating then as it is today. Therefore, Kosovo citizens should not fall prey to this manipulation again.

This political manipulation could have serious consequences on the long-term plan. Feeding anti-American sentiment within Kosovo society, the ruling party is building a narrative that is not in line with the country's interests. While the US has been and remains Kosovo's biggest supporter, efforts to create divisions between the two countries could seriously undermine Kosovo's international position, and hinder its path towards integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.

Trump's victory in the last US presidential election poses no threat to Kosovo. On the contrary, the new administration can bring new positive opportunities. After all, American administrations, despite individuals who have led them, have taken a clear stand for Kosovo's support.

However, it is true that the Trump administration, in its first term, was more pragmatic and aimed at concrete results through economic diplomacy and bilateral agreements.

Washington's agreement, reached in 2020 between Kosovo and Serbia, was an example of efforts to create peace and stability through boosting economic co-operation.

In this context, it is essential that Kosovo's future government build close and pragmatic relations with President Trump's administration to ensure that Kosovo does not remain in a unfavourable international position.
A cautious and strategic approach to relations with the US is essential to maintaining American support and advancing Kosovo's position on the international stage.

Kosovo is currently in a difficult international position. Due to the approach of self-isolation and worsening relations with key Western partners, it has faced partial isolation from international processes.

This isolation has damaged the aspirations for integration into NATO and the EU, causing Kosovo to stumble on its path towards membership in these organisations. Therefore, it is imperative that any government that will be elected after the February 9th 2025 elections work intensively and co-operatively with the new US administration.

The government and the American people remain key partner for Kosovo. Only through close co-operation with the US can Kosovo have a real chance to become part of NATO and the EU and achieve a stable stability.

In this respect, anti-American rhetoric, driven by the close interests of the ruling party, can only be an obstacle. To get out
Out of isolation, Kosovo must put away populist policies and focus on building a powerful and professional diplomacy.
To ensure that Kosovo gets out of its complex international situation, it is necessary that the future government puts the state interest in party interests ahead.

Co-operation with the US should not only be a question of political rhetoric, but a daily reality of the Kosovo government.
Instead of spreading fear and anti-American propaganda, the government must build a trust-based strategy and co-operation with international allies.

It is time for Kosovo leaders to realise that American support cannot be considered guaranteed. It requires continued work and commitment in building strategic partnerships.
Without such an approach, Kosovo risks remaining isolated and marginalised, eventually losing the chance to become part of the Euro-Atlantic family.

This requires a bold and wise leader, who is willing to engage constructively and to take away the Narratives that risk harming Kosovo's interests.

After all, Kosovo's future lies in the hands of its citizens. They must be well informed and be careful about irresponsible manipulations and irresponsible rhetoric.

If Kosovo wants to secure a clear place on the international stage, the future government must build an active diplomacy, working alongside allies and strategic partners to ensure a stable and successful future for all its citizens.